LOYAL ‘CREEKNIKS: All signs say we are on the downward slope to offseason oblivion. Heck, one sign even harkens back to the days of subprime rates, instructing you to “pay what you think it’s worth.” We can’t slide much further down the slope of ignominious business models than that. Nonetheless you can assume the farm is still a going concern and open until further notice. We’ll say otherwise at some point.

Yes, iCreek is still open every day. You can get fresh cider jugs in the cooler, Brussels sprouts in the field or at the stand, and Empire apples for 95¢ a pound. You can visit between 8 AM and 5 PM (or so) and use the honor system. It’s cash only now. You just jam your bills into the gray metal box.

That’s the news for this week. Now it’s time for the real propaganda: THANK YOU TO ALL FARMKETEERS for our best season ever. By far! Thousands of you have posted your farm visits on Instagram. Look at all these great times…

And that ain’t even the half of it. We have the best, sweetest, most laid-back customers on the Pale Blue Dot – where “every human being who ever lived, lived out their lives” (Carl Sagan). Thank you all for being weird and easygoing. And for spending your ducats locally at a small farm.

Well, everyone, this is the last weekly newsletter of the year, but we won’t say sayonara just yet. Within two weeks you’ll get the annual spiel about Apple Gift Boxes. You’ll be able to order online and send a beautiful box of heritage apples to your friends and families. Meanwhile, hope to see you at The ‘Creek.